Best Fast Food Restaurants in Hillcrest

"Undeniably authentic Mexican in a casual spot walking distance to the beach. A local favorite is the adobado tacos, which they roast on a spit right at the restaurant."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Taco Stand (@letstaco_)"

"Evolution is the vegetarian’s answer to the ubiquitous fast food burger joint, right down to the drive-thru window. Catering mostly to take-out, though with some modest patio seating, Evolution breaks from the standard black bean burger patty by crafting one from house-made tempeh. Either patty is available as a gluten-free Evo Burger, a heaping belly-filler topped with lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing."

"As San Diego’s first vegan fast-food restaurant, Evolution has set the bar high. It was one of the first restaurants in the city to adopt completely biodegradable packaging—what appear to be plastic utensils and containers are in fact byproducts of wheat and corn which will eventually be reabsorbed back into the soil. The familiar fast-food favorites are also exceptional—from the flaky fish street tacos to the In-N-Out-style EVO Burger."

"A good example of this is the amount of vegan ‘fast food’ places that are popping up in California. You might not think the words “healthy” and “fast food” could be in the same sentence, but vegan fast food eateries have changed the game, offering healthy meals on the go. I used to only be able to find sit-down vegan restaurants that would take ages to prepare the food (sorry Cafe Gratitude, I’m looking at you)."

"You can find this vegan fast food joint on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Plant Power Fast Food is a great option if you’re craving waffles, tacos, or American classics like plant-based buffalo chicken, but it’s their selection of burgers that really stands out. They have all-vegan ‘beef’ burgers, as well as patties made from black beans, and all burgers come with a wide selection of healthy seasonings."

"For a quick bite, head to this friendly counter service spot in Ocean Beach. The menu is packed with vegan versions of fast food favorites, from crispy “chicken” sandwiches to chili “cheese” fries. For those with further dietary restrictions, the entire menu is cholesterol-and GMO-free, and the fries, sauces, and even sodas are made from organic and all-natural ingredients."

"Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history."

"You will find grassy greenfields, attractive architecture plus columns. There is also a wooded hilltop overlooking the San Diego Bay from that perfect angle where you can catch the sun setting about everything. What a gorgeous place to have your landscape photography!"

"A historical fort established on May 14, 1769, the Presidio was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Coast."

"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"

"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."

"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"Feel the beauty of the waterfalls and greenery as you stroll the pathways of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Skip right past the entrance fee the third Tuesday of every month. As well, explore the Japanese rock garden and take in the current indoor display."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."

"The Botanical Building houses more than 2,000 tropical plants. Capturing the wood structure with the lily pond in front is one of the most photographed sections of Balboa Park."